Stomach bug sickens 285 across United States

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Health officials are warning Hoosiers about a stomach bug outbreak making its way across the nation. Nearly 300 people across 11 states have come down with the bug, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

The illness, cyclosporiasis, has similar symptoms to a viral stomach bug including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, explosive bowel movements, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear one week after contact.

Cyclospora are not passed person to person. Instead, the single-celled parasite is linked to foodborne outbreaks from imported fresh produce.

So far, cases have been reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and Kansas.

Hoosiers are asked to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables they buy from the store. They’re also reminded to properly cook all food before ingesting.

Cyclosporiasis is treated with sulfa drugs. Those allergic to sulfa should talk with their healthcare providers about what may help alleviate the symptoms.